The Cabinet of Camden Council met on Wednesday 12 November 2025, approving the redevelopment of the Regents Park Estate North and a variation to the Civil Parking and Traffic Enforcement contract. The Cabinet also agreed to proceed with exploring the establishment of a Locally Led Development Corporation for Euston and approved the procurement strategy for temporary agency workers.

Redevelopment of Regents Park Estate North

The Cabinet approved the full redevelopment of the Cartmel, Coniston and Langdale blocks, Stanhope Parade, and the Regents Park Children's Centre on the Regents Park Estate North as the Council's preferred option. This decision, subject to a call-in period, aims to deliver new, high-quality affordable homes, a new children's centre, and improved public realm, aligning with the Euston Area Plan's objectives. An initial budget of £720,000 was approved to facilitate the next steps, including developing a detailed Regeneration Strategy and progressing possession and rehousing strategies. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director Investment, Place and Opportunity to undertake these actions, including the potential use of compulsory purchase powers if necessary. The draft Re-housing Strategy, Local Lettings Plan, and Possession Strategy were also approved.

The redevelopment is a response to the severe disruption faced by residents due to HS2 construction, with many homes already vacated. An options appraisal favoured full redevelopment due to its potential for delivering the most affordable homes, meeting Euston Area Plan objectives, and offering financial viability, particularly if delivered through a development agreement. The decision was made after extensive consultation with residents, leaseholders, and commercial tenants, with feedback informing the strategies for rehousing and possession. The Council will continue to engage with residents throughout the design and planning process.

Variation to Civil Parking and Traffic Enforcement Contract

The Cabinet approved a waiver of Contract Standing Order C3.1 to vary the Council's contract with Marston Holdings Limited for civil parking and traffic enforcement. This variation will increase deployed hours and associated enforcement vehicles and equipment by an average of £1.43 million per annum, taking effect from December 2025. This is to address an expanding volume of policy-driven parking restrictions and to transition CCTV enforcement to a more efficient remote-review model. The estimated value of the variation over the four-year extension period is £41.4 million.

The decision was made because Marston Holdings consistently meets performance indicators and has demonstrated proactive service delivery. A waiver was deemed necessary as the proposed variation falls outside the original contract's express terms and the value exceeds the threshold for competitive tendering. The variation is considered essential for maintaining effective highway management and responding to residents' concerns about anti-social parking. The increased revenue generated is expected to contribute to transport services and highway improvements.

Future Locally Led Development Corporation for Euston

The Cabinet agreed to continue developing the case for establishing a Locally Led Development Corporation (LLDC) for the Euston area. This proposed LLDC would be overseen by Camden Council in partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA) and would aim to coordinate and drive regeneration in the area. The decision to explore an LLDC follows government strategies highlighting Euston as a key area for regeneration, economic growth, and housing delivery.

The LLDC is seen as a way to overcome fragmented governance and rebuild stakeholder trust, ensuring community needs are central to development. Camden's deep understanding of the local community and existing capacity make it a suitable oversight authority. The proposed geographical boundary for the LLDC would focus on the core Euston area, with potential for a wider innovation district around the Knowledge Quarter. The governance structure would involve a board with independent members, local councillors, and GLA nominations, with a strong emphasis on community representation. The LLDC would likely assume planning powers and explore various funding mechanisms, including government grants, business rates retention, and developer contributions. The next steps involve developing formal consultation materials, pending the introduction of necessary legislation.

Procurement Strategy and Award for Temporary Agency Worker Contract

The Cabinet approved the procurement strategy and awarded a contract to Matrix SCM for the provision of agency worker services for up to four years. This decision follows a competitive process through the ESPO MSTAR4 framework, where Matrix SCM was identified as the highest-scoring neutral provider. The contract includes the Camden Talent Pool initiative, which aims to offer temporary roles directly to residents.

The new contract is expected to ensure access to a skilled and diverse workforce, deliver value for money, and support Camden's ambition for an inclusive local economy. Tighter controls introduced in March 2025 have already led to a significant reduction in agency spend, with a projected saving of £8 million over the next 12 months. The estimated forecast value of the contract is £143 million, though actual expenditure is expected to be lower due to these controls. The contract will require the supplier to adhere to compliance requirements, including IR35, right to work checks, and the London Living Wage.

Euston Area Plan Update

The Cabinet recommended to Council the approval of the Euston Area Plan (EAP) Update Proposed Submission Draft for publication and submission to the government for examination. This update reflects changes since the EAP's adoption in 2015, including the High Speed Rail Act 2017 and evolving Council priorities. The proposed submission draft aims to accommodate approximately 2,000 new homes and 10,000 to 17,500 new jobs.

The EAP update seeks to ensure policies are robust and consistent with national planning policy and the updated Local Plan. It acknowledges uncertainties regarding HS2 station designs and costs, incorporating flexibility for future development. The report highlights the potential for development capacity beyond initial estimates if new areas are identified. The Equality Impact Assessment concluded that the proposed policies would have a largely positive impact on protected groups. The Council will delegate authority to the Executive Director Investment, Place and Opportunity to make minor changes and manage the consultation and examination process.

The Cultural Strategy for Camden 2026-2031

The Cabinet considered Camden's Cultural Strategy for 2026-2031, which sets out a vision for cultural development in the borough. The strategy, developed through extensive consultation with residents and cultural organisations, focuses on three themes: People and Place, Learning and Skills, and Grow and Thrive, guided by principles of equity, creative health and wellbeing, and sustainability.

The strategy aims to embed culture at the heart of placemaking, wellbeing, and inclusive opportunity in Camden. It seeks to increase resident engagement in cultural programmes, improve health and wellbeing through creative activities, enhance access to learning and employment pathways in the cultural sector, and support the sustainable growth of Camden's cultural and creative industries. The strategy is funded through Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) and aims to strengthen Camden's identity as a leading cultural borough.

The Cabinet also noted decisions made on the following items:

• Notification of Any Items of Business that the Chair Decides to Take as Urgent
• Any Other Business that the Chair Decides to Take as Urgent
• Matters Referred from a Council Scrutiny Committee
• Minutes of the previous meeting
• Announcements regarding the webcasting of the meeting
• Deputations were heard in relation to the redevelopment of Regents Park Estate North.
• Declarations of interest were made by Councillor Djemai in relation to the Euston Area Plan Update and the Redevelopment of Regents Park Estate North.